Democrats File Lawsuit Over Early Voting Changes

Democrats have filed a lawsuit over an early voting law passed by the Republican-led General Assembly in 2018 and set to take effect in 2020. 

Senate Bill 325 eliminates early voting on the last Saturday before Election Day. It also calls for expanded early voting hours in even-numbered years.

The bill was vetoed by Democratic Governor Roy Cooper but easily overridden by GOP lawmakers.

Now Democrats have filed a suit claiming that the law is unconstitutional. 

The plaintiffs argue that the Saturday before Election Day was the most popular day for early voting in 2018, particularly among African Americans. The lawsuit also says that the added cost of expanded voting hours has forced some early voting locations to close.

The News and Observer reports the lawsuit was filed by groups representing both the state and national Democratic parties.